Category Archives: events 2017

John George Social Justice Awards

In the Spirit of John George…

“Think Globally — Act Locally”

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Everett and Jones BBQ

126 Broadway, Oakland

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Please join us for the sixth biennial John George Social Justice Awards! The Club sponsors this event in non-election years to recognize people in the Oakland/Berkeley community for their contributions to social justice.

2017 Awardees

Alona Clifton— Lifetime Social Justice Award. Alona was JGDC co-chair from 1990 – 2014; she will be joining us from her current home in Atlanta!

Ms. Margaret Gordon—Social Justice Award. Ms. Margaret is a pillar defending environmental justice, as long time leader West Oakland Economic Indicators Project, as a former member of Oakland’s Port Commission, and a community leader for many years.

Jan Thyer & Lichi Fuentes– Cultural Action for Social Justice Award. Jan and Lichi are co-Directors of La Peña Community Chorus. They have worked tirelessly for decades to lead the chorus in songs of peace, justice, and solidarity with Latin America and the world.

Gabrielle Henry–Young Adult Social Justice Spirit Award. Gabrielle is Nominated by the NAACP as embodying the spirit of John George in working for social justice.

Dorothy King/John Jernegan–Community Service Social Justice Award. Dorothy and John have been owners of the Everett and Jones restaurant in Jack London Square for over 20 years. They have used the venue to host many progressive events over the years and they have used their resources to feed the homeless.

Keynote Speaker–Pamela Price–Progressive Local Attorney, Running for Alameda County District Attorney, June, 2018. Pamela is an Elected Member of the Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee; 18th Assembly District Woman of the Year 2017; and National Lawyers Guild 2016 Champion of Justice

More than 100 years ago, France gifted the United States with the Statue of Liberty because the French viewed America as a beacon of hope and democracy. In 1883 the poet Emma Lazarus wrote the poem that is inscribed on the Statue’s pedestal. The most famous lines, which refer directly to immigrants and refugees, are:

Middle and High School Students: Write an essay on the topic: “As you look at the issue of immigration in America today, how are the Statue of Liberty and Emma Lazarus’s poem still relevant?” (500 words maximum)

Elementary School Students: Draw a picture that shows Oakland as a healthy place to live. (maximum size 11” by 17”)

Each winner will receive $300 – in the form of a $150 gift certificate and $150 to open a credit union savings account.

Submit your entry (drop off or mail) by WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 to the West Oakland Public Library at 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland, 94607 to the attention of the John George Democratic Club. Essays may be emailed (see instructions on back). Please be sure to attach the submission form on the back of this flier to your entry.

Awards Presentation

Saturday, June 10, 2017

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

West Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland

Co-sponsored by the West Oakland Public Library, the John George Democratic Club, and the John George Educational Trust Fund

All students who submit ART entries must attend public schools in West Oakland.

Students who submit ESSAYS may attend any Oakland Unified School District public school.

Art work should be on paper no larger than 11” by 17”.

Essays should be no more than 500 words.

All art and essays must be submitted by Wednesday, May 17, 2017 to the West Oakland Public Library at 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland, 94607, to the “Attention of the John George Democratic Club”. You can drop off or mail entries but they must be received by May 17th! Don’t forget to attach the submission form below to your entry. Essays also can be emailed, with the info on the submission form, to Laurie Soman at Lsoman6708@aol.com. Please put “JG Essay” in the subject line. Emailed entries still have to reach us by May 17th.

Each winner will receive a $150 gift certificate and $150 to open a credit union savings account.

For background information on environmental justice and coal in Oakland:

: Google phrases like “history and meaning of Statue of Liberty” and “Emma Lazarus poem”.